Category Archives: Church

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Was It Wrong for ‘Sunday Best’ Winner Le’Andria Johnson to be Drunk Allegedly on Periscope?

Hello World, periscope

I was scheduled to write a recap of Season 1 Episode 7 of “Born Again Virgin” but after checking my Google Analytics this morning and seeing that my blog post on Le’Andria Johnson got some major hits yesterday, I decided to do a quick Google search on Season 3 “Sunday Best” winner and GRAMMY Award winner Le’Andria Johnson and why she was blowing up yesterday. And this is the result I got – “leandria johnson drunk on periscope.” Well, so I went to a link and this is what has caused the hubbub, according to to the September 8 blog post “Gospel Singer LeAndria Johnson Appears Drunk And A Lil Off On Periscope” on yallknowwhat.com.

No one loves Periscope as much as we do. The newest social media craze has gotten everyone broadcasting 24 hours a day. This is a dream come true for fans of celebrities. On the other hand, it allows the public to see different artists in their element and their comfort zone.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a good thing for some celebs. It proved to be a disaster for gospel singer Le’Andria Johnson last night. Thousands of viewers witnessed the Season 3 Sunday Best winner ranting for 10 minutes about different things. She admitted to drinking Patron during her Periscope video, she cursed a few times, and she was blasting secular music (Drunk In Love) in the background.

The video of Le’Andria Johnson on Periscope has seen been removed but the damage has been done. Whoa!!! I have lots of thoughts about this. First thought, Le’Andria Johnson has never claimed to be a saint. She is a Christian saint but not a saint by the most widely accepted definition. In my interview with her, the preacher’s daughter admitted she has been divorced twice and was pregnant as a single mother while recording her third album under “Le’Andria Johnson, The Experience.” And she even started Imperfect People Changing Ministries during that time period. As a preacher’s daughter myself and an imperfect one at that, I have real empathy for her and her story. While I’m not a two-time divorcée or have given birth to children out of wedlock, I’ve indulged in my fair share of sin. And there is a lot of pressure to be perfect as a pastor’s daughter that other Christians don’t understand. And Le’Andria Johnson spoke about that in my interview of her.

leandriaAs a pastor’s daughter, did you ever resent the requirements of ministry on you parents?

Heck yeah! Yes, I did, because I was taught God, God, God, God, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. There ain’t anything wrong with that but I never understood life because we were always in some Bible meeting. We were always in some revival. We were always in some shut in…Being in church all of my life crippled me. That’s how the whole issue with men that I was dealing with came to be…I couldn’t wait to put on a pair of booty shorts. I couldn’t wait to put on a pair of hoop earrings, red lipstick, eyelashes…I couldn’t wait to get tattoos… I couldn’t wait to smoke, couldn’t wait to drink, couldn’t wait to have sex…But by me doing those things, I had to go through my own personal issues and in that I found God to be who they didn’t teach me He was. I was taught that God is a ‘reprimander’ and that He was jealous. I was taught that God was going to punish you for this. It was negative…But I found out He was the sweetest. He is the sweetest man I’ve ever known…I had to find all of that stuff out after I did the sin…

All that being said, if Le’Andria Johnson was allegedly drunk on Periscope, blasting “Drunk in Love” in the background while cursing, is that wrong? Well, first of all, it’s funny to death…C’mon man, you know it is…Secondly, it was bad judgment. I don’t think anyone wants to see their favorite gospel singer turnt in real time with Beyoncé in the background…But here’s the thing…What if she likes to drink Patron, listen to Beyoncé and curse in the privacy of her own home  but did not broadcast it for the masses to see? Would that make her any less of a sinner – according to some people’s assessment? Would it disqualify her to be a gospel singer and minister? Before I answer these questions, there are two verses that should be referenced here…

Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. James 3:1

So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live–for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.
 1 Corinthians 8:13

I have never wanted to be a pastor because of that first verse. Pastors do get held to a higher standard. It’s a part of the job description. Le’Andria Johnson does not profess to be a pastor but she does have a platform as a gospel singer and minister so that verse could be applied to her situation too. But let me not be a hypocrite, I remember after my book came out, my father had a discussion with me about how I conducted myself in public. Basically, he told me that people would be watching me. And that is true. I remember I went to restaurant/club to a birthday party for a friend, and I was dancing with my husband and I felt someone looking at me. I came of age during the Booty Shake music era so when I dance, I’m not doing a two-step…And I remember on another occasion, I went to a restaurant with some friends who all ordered drinks, and I declined – not because I didn’t want one or think it’s wrong to have a drink but because of how it would look. I hate that. I truly do because I’m just a regular ole girl tryin’ to get this thang right with God at the end of the day…

But according to the second verse, it’s not about me – particularly in public. As a Christian, your main job is tell others about Christ. period. the end. And even if you like to get turnt in your house, if doing that in public will cause even one person to think you (the Christian) is crazy and that Christ may not be all that because of you, then you have to check yourself. I hate that too. I do. But it’s true.

So back to to the questions that I asked. We are all sinners saved by the grace of God, but the fact of the matter is that none of us, not even preachers and teachers, will be without sin until we get to Heaven. However, that being said, that is not an excuse to act like we don’t know what the Bible says because will will never get it right. In fact, that means that we have to depend on the Holy Spirit even more to do what is right…And the Holy Spirit will convict you of what is wrong and what is right and help you do the right thing according to YOUR personal relationship with God…For example, according to my own personal relationship with God,  I don’t have to listen to gospel music all day long…I love gospel music, but I’d die and have to go to Heaven right now if I had to listen to gospel music all day every day…And if you see me out and about acting “non Christianly,” try not judge me. God is not through with me yet, and I’m still working out my salvation fa sho…And trust that my personal relationship with God is the best thang that eva happened to me!!!

Finally, that’s why y’all need to stay off Periscope….

Any thoughts?

P.S. I hope to have my “Born Again” recap up by tomorrow…

 

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‘Pain in the Pews’ Conference Highlights Mental Health & Ministry This Saturday!

pain

Hello World,

C PayneI hope you had a wonderful Labor Day holiday weekend with your family and friends. I also celebrated my birthday yesterday, September 7, so this weekend was particularly fun! But now it’s time to get back to work and more serious topics. One serious topic that I want to address today on this blog is the intersection of mental health and ministry. If you are interested in these topics and live in the metro Atlanta area, “Pain in the Pews,” a conference dedicated to these topics, is a must-do event, and it is free! The conference will be held at Vision For Souls Family Worship Center Cathedral, 6519 Factory Shoals Road, Mableton, GA 30126 THIS Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Please see my interview with Chelsealya Payne, who is the founder of PAYNE & Glory Inc., the organization that is hosting the conference.

1. What is the “Pain in the Pews” Conference about, and why did you decide to host it?

Simply, it is about topics that we want to discuss in our local churches, but often don’t get the opportunity to do so. It’s about opening up the dialogue that fuses together our faith in God and putting that faith in action to pursue help in a particular area. This is our 3rd PITP Conference. It is in no way “church bashing,” but rather showing how we can use our faith to overcome the “pain in the pews.”

2. Dr. Alduan Tartt, a noted psychologist, and Dr. LaTonya Powers, a noted pastor, are the featured speakers. What will each of them speak about during the conference?

Dr. Tartt will speak about “Letting Go of Relationship Pain.” Very important – so many people suffer from emotional and mental challenges that stem from their inability to know how to fully let go. Dr. Tartt is EXCELLENT in this area, and will give the participants a lot of “aha” moments. Pastor Powers will speak about “Pain in the Pews.” We often carry the same issue back home with us that we carried to church – the same mental challenges, the same emotional weight, the same guilt, shame and feeling of being stigmatized if I talk about “this.” Pastor Powers provides a down-to-earth spiritual wisdom that is sure to uplift us all. So, the two speakers together will do a dynamic job of showing how the spiritual and professional side are needed for complete healing – mind and spirit.

3. What do you hope people will receive from the conference?

One word – “Hope.” A small word with a powerful impact. I want people to walk away with a sense of hope that they can overcome and be healed from their issues. To have a understanding that hope is still there, waiting and available for them, and that someone really does care about them and what they are going through. Hope.

4. What is your own background in mental health and ministry, and how did you get involved in these two areas?

I have been wanting to host this for quite some time now. I’ve been in the church my entire life and have worked in some capacity or another most of my life. Over the years, I have come across many people that love the Lord, work in ministry but suffer from depression, anxiety, emotional distress, eating disorders, etc. Many of these people were people that were close to me, some were people that I admired in ministry, while others I heard or read about (after something tragic had happened as a result of their mental/emotional anguish). I wanted to create a platform where this topic is not stigmatized. Mental illness is just as important and should be addressed as fervently as any physical illness.

Yes, I actually do have my own personal testimony regarding mental health…but I won’t be sharing that until the conference. 🙂

5. Do you feel like the church, specifically the Black Church, has appropriately addressed mental health and ministry? Please explain your answer.

No, I don’t think so. I think that historically, we have been taught just to “pray about it” – which, I agree wholeheartedly that we should pray about everything. However, it cannot stop there. If Sister Mary comes and says that she is suffering from depression and having suicidal thoughts, prayer along with ensuring that Sister Mary gets professional help is what is going to help to heal her. If someone says I have a tightness in my chest and my left arm is going numb, we are certainly going to pray, but someone is going to/should say “you need to go see a doctor.” The same advice given to someone with a physical ailment should be given when someone has a mental or emotional issue. That is not always the case in the Black Church.

6. Tell me more about your non-profit organization PAYNE & Glory and its mission.

Our organization is designed to empower the total woman – mind, body and spirit. We host live and virtual events on topics from domestic violence awareness and prevention to health and wellness. Twice a year, we offer events that specific to teen young ladies. Our mission is to empower you to impact your future.

7. I read in your bio on your website that you are legally blind. How have you used your disability to inspire your ministry?

When people meet me, until I tell them, no one knows that I have a disability. I use it mainly to let people know that they do not have to allow their circumstances dictate who they are. I do a lot of what I do, like drive, because growing up, my parents didn’t put limitations or labels on me – so I adapted my life what I was taught (in a productive way) – instead of adjusted my life to fit my challenges.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We want people to come to this conference and receive every ounce of healing, strength, empowerment, inspiration and hope that they can carry with them!

Although the conference is free, advance registration is recommended as refreshments for attendees will be provided. Please register by clicking this link: eventbrite.com.

Any thoughts?

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Tichina Arnold to Host 2015 Triumph Awards Honoring John Legend, Rev. Joseph Lowery & More…

triumph2

Hello World,

revalIn a year defined by civil rights cases that have galvanized the country, the National Action Network (NAN) and Reverend Al Sharpton are partnering with TV One to present the first-ever television broadcast of The 2015 Triumph Awards.

Hosted by Tichina Arnold, the esteemed ceremony will be filmed on Saturday, September 12, 2015 in Atlanta, GA, and will recognize the positive impact this year’s honorees have made upon society. Among the honorees are civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Joseph Echols Lowery; award-winning singer and humanitarian John Legend; recording artist and philanthropist Tyrese Gibson; Emmy-award® winning comedienne, actress and producer Wanda Sykes; and Chief Diversity Officer and Global Director of Education and External Relations for Intel Rosalind Hudnell. Performers will include: Tyrese Gibson, Jazmine Sullivan, Estelle, Ledisi & Tasha Cobbs. Presenters include: Mayor Kasim Reed, Nicole Beharie, Soledad O¹Brien &  Syleena Johnson, 

The awards special will premiere exclusively on TV One this October.

The 2015 Triumph Awards presented by National Action Network and TV One recognizes distinguished individuals and corporations in civil rights, the arts, entertainment, education, business and sports. Honorees have made a positive impact on society by utilizing their talents and resources to help those within under-resourced communities.

The 2015 Triumph Awards are executive produced by Bart Phillips of Sunseeker Entertainment and Christina Norman of Gemini Entertainment. Janaye Ingram is Executive Director of National Action Network. Craig Henry is Executive in Charge of Production and D’Angela Proctor is Head of Original Programing and Production for TV One.

Any thoughts?